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Developing High Performance GaP/Si Heterojunction Solar Cells
Published on: November 16, 2018
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Suppressed phase segregation for triple-junction perovskite solar cells.
Zaiwei Wang1, Lewei Zeng1, Tong Zhu1
1Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Nature
|March 28, 2023
Summary
We developed stable, high-efficiency triple-junction solar cells using perovskite materials. Lattice distortion in these perovskites suppresses phase segregation, enhancing performance for next-generation photovoltaics.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Renewable Energy
- Solid-State Physics
Background:
- Perovskite solar cells offer tunable bandgaps and facile fabrication, making them promising for multi-junction photovoltaics.
- Light-induced phase segregation in wide-bandgap perovskites (>1.65 eV) limits efficiency and stability, especially in triple-junction designs requiring a 2.0 eV top cell.
- Addressing phase segregation is crucial for advancing perovskite-based solar cell technology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between lattice distortion and phase segregation in iodide/bromide mixed perovskites.
- To develop stable, high-efficiency all-perovskite triple-junction solar cells utilizing a 2.0 eV bandgap absorber.
- To demonstrate the potential of perovskites in advanced photovoltaic applications.
Main Methods:
- Studied lattice distortion in iodide/bromide mixed perovskites and its effect on ion migration energy barriers.
- Fabricated triple-junction solar cells using a rubidium/caesium mixed-cation inorganic perovskite with significant lattice distortion for the top subcell.
- Characterized the efficiency, open-circuit voltage, and operational stability of the fabricated solar cells.
Main Results:
- Lattice distortion was found to suppress phase segregation by increasing the ion-migration energy barrier.
- Achieved a certified power conversion efficiency of 23.3% for all-perovskite triple-junction solar cells with a 2.0 eV top cell.
- The devices demonstrated excellent stability, retaining 80% of their initial efficiency after 420 hours of operation.
Conclusions:
- Lattice distortion is a key factor in mitigating phase segregation and improving the stability of wide-bandgap perovskites.
- This work presents the first certified efficiency for perovskite-based triple-junction solar cells, paving the way for their commercialization.
- The developed perovskite strategy offers a viable path towards highly efficient and stable multi-junction solar energy conversion.
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